MSc Micro and Nanotechnology (1 year full-time)

MSc Micro and Nanotechnology is a one year masters degree with a focus on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectronics. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the microtechnology and nanotechnology aspects of electronic engineering and their application in micro and nanoscale devices. Specialist options also support study for the biomedical and bionanotechnology industries.

Introducing your degree

Through this degree you will learn the scientific and engineering principles underpinning a range of micro and nanoscale technologies with options to specialise in areas such as microelectromechanical systems, nanoelectronics, biodevices, or optoelectronics.

Course Facts

Overview

This programme outlines the micro and nanotechnology aspects of electronic engineering, with a focus on microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectronics. These technologies, for example, underpin research and development of miniaturised sensors, including the motion and position sensors in mobile phones, and of nanoscale logic and memory devices for next-generation consumer electronics and future quantum devices. The programme also addresses microfluidic technology, enabling miniaturised biodevices for point-of-care diagnostic applications, and covers the fundamentals of photonic circuits and devices.

Southampton is recognised to be internationally leading in these technologies, and specialist modules are taught by staff involved in leading edge research. You can be confident of being exposed to the most up to date thinking, current research problems, and state of the art techniques, technologies and tools.

Programme Structure

One year, full-time.

This programme consists of eight taught modules - four compulsory and four optional - plus an individual research project. In the compulsory semester 2 module Project Preparation you will undertake appropriate preparatory study for the research project, and you will also examine ethical and legal issues around professional practice.

You can choose four modules (two options in semester 1 and two options in semester 2) from a range of topics covering advanced and specialised aspects of microtechnology and nanotechnology, allowing you to tailor the structure to suit your own interests.

To Apply

You can apply for the programme through the University of Southampton's online postgraduate application system. Visit our how to apply pages for more information.

Key Facts

We have pioneered many of the most important advances in electronics and microelectronics over the past 30 years

We lead the UK for the volume and quality of Electrical and Electronic Engineering research (REF 2014)

97% of our Electrical and Electronic Engineering research outputs are rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014)

The Guardian University Guide 2018 shows the University of Southampton second in the UK for Electronics and Electrical Engineering

We are number one in the UK for graduate prospects in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2018

Southampton is ranked in the top 51-100 universities for Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the 2017 QS World Rankings

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements

Honours Degree:

Our normal entry requirement is an upper second-class honours degree or higher (or equivalent) in electronic engineering, or in a closely related discipline, with a wide range of electronic engineering modules such as semiconductor devices, electronic circuit design, control and communications – as well as physics and mathematics.

English Language Requirements:

If English is not your first language, you will be required to pass an approved English test. We normally ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each competency. For information on other accepted English language tests, please visit www.southampton.ac.uk/admissions_language.

International Qualifications:

Selection process:

All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (eg hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.

Modules

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Career Opportunities

This programme provides an excellent platform for a career in academia or industry sectors such as:

Electronics and semiconductors

Telecommunications

Photonics

Materials and packaging

Biotechnology

Motor vehicle and aerospace industries

Graduates from our MSc programmes are employed worldwide in leading companies at the forefront of technology. As well as for larger multinationals, many students also go on to work for small to medium enterprises, including start-ups. ECS runs a dedicated careers hub which is affiliated with over 100 companies including IBM, Arm, Microsoft Research, Imagination Technologies, Nvidia, Samsung and Google to name a few. Visit our careers hub for more information.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK,
EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

Funding

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:

Type

Description

Approved Calculators

Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.

Stationery

You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.

Textbooks

Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.

Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.